Road Deaths in 2024 drop by 4%

• A total of 174 fatalities occurred, 7 fewer than the previous year. 

• Trend of young fatalities continued for second year with 60 (35%) of those aged 25 years or younger. 

• Dublin (23), Cork (19), Mayo (19) and Donegal (17) record highest number of fatalities. 

• Almost a quarter (23%) of fatalities occurred between 4pm and 8pm. 

• Seven in ten fatal road collisions occurred on roads with a speed limit of 80km/h or greater. 
  

1st January 2025: Provisional road traffic collision figures show that the number of road deaths in 2024 decreased by 4% compared to 2023.  

A total of 174 people died in 160 fatal collisions in 2024 compared to 181 deaths in 170 collisions in 2023. This represents a decrease of 7 deaths or a 4% drop in road deaths compared to last year. 

The figures were published by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) today, Wednesday, January 1, 2025, following an analysis from provisional fatal collision reports from An Garda Síochána. 

They reveal a high proportion of male fatalities, a continuation of 2023’s increased level of young fatalities (aged 25 years or less) and a high number of fatalities in the evening between 4pm and 8pm.  

Dublin (23), Cork (19), Mayo (19) and Donegal (17) were the counties that recorded the highest number of deaths, accounting for 45% of the total fatalities. 

Minister of State with special responsibility for Road Safety, James Lawless said: “Every single one of these deaths on our roads is a tragedy. We extend deepest sympathies to the friends, families and communities affected by these losses. I would also like to pay tribute to the emergency services, first responders, hospital workers and others who do such incredible work helping people on scene and in the aftermath of these events. 

“The work of my Department is focused on making our roads safer for everyone who uses them. In February 2025 the default speed limit on rural local roads will be reduced, following the recommendation of the 2023 Speed Limit Review. This will tackle one of the biggest contributory factors to road collisions - speed. This year we will also be moving into Phase 2 of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy, and it is incumbent on all of us to play our part in achieving our goal of halving deaths and serious injuries by 2030.” 

Mr. Sam Waide, Chief Executive, RSA said: “With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of 174 lives to road traffic collisions this year, and our deepest thoughts are with the devastated families left grieving a loved one in 2024, including at Christmas. Despite this profound loss, the reduction in the number of fatalities on Irish roads this year is a very modest but important step in reversing the high number of road deaths we've seen over the past two years. This progress underscores the urgency to intensify our efforts. To truly turn the tide, as part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy, we must harness more technology, deliver impactful awareness campaigns and continue road safety education, to create a safer future for all road users in Ireland.” 

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána, said: “This slight reduction in the number of road fatalities on Irish roads, is of no solace to the families and loved ones of each one of the people that were killed in fatal road traffic collisions during 2024. I extend my deepest sympathies to all of those affected and at what must be a devastating time. 

“An Garda Síochána has been working around the clock every day of this year to help keep road users safe. That work spans both education and enforcement. Gardaí have delivered our Lifesaver Project to thousands of adults and teenagers nationwide during 2024 in a hope of highlighting the dangers of poor driver behavior, and over the next twelve months we will extend that further. 

“Gardaí have conducted more than 100,000 checkpoints on Irish roads this year, half of which were Mandatory Intoxicant Testing. We continue the roll out of safety speed cameras in high-risk locations and are already seeing positive indications that drivers are slowing down in these areas. We also continue to maximise the technology available to us to support data driven roadside policing including Mobility Devices and Automated Number Plate Recognition systems in Garda vehicles.  

“As members of An Garda Síochána we cannot achieve any meaningful reduction in the number of people killed on Irish roads without the public’s full support. As we enter a new year, we urge all drivers to drive safely and slow down.”  

Ireland’s fifth government Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 aims to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by 50% by 2030. This means that by 2030, we will need to reduce deaths on Ireland’s roads to 72 or lower and reduce serious injuries on Ireland’s roads to 630 or lower.  

The strategy is the first step in achieving the ‘Vision Zero’ commitment to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by the year 2050. 

Phase 2 of the Road Safety Strategy 2021- 2030 will be launched in 2025 with a formal adoption of the Phase 2 action plan early in the New Year.